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Playing Dean on Days of our Lives was an enjoyable challenge!

When Nick Stabile took on the role of Police Officer Dean Hartman on Days of our Lives, he said, "It's not the first time I have been in the barbeque." He was, of course, referring to some of the previous roles he had played.  But one has to admit that orchestrating a plot to kidnap the Police Commissioner's daughter for revenge of not getting a department promotion will keep you in the coals.

For the past several weeks, Stabile has given an exuberant electrifying performance in terrorizing little Ciera (Lauren Bowls) and terrifying her parents Hope (Kristian Alfonso) and Bo (Peter Reckell).

Stabile said while sipping coffee in jeans and a pull-over with his shades hanging from his top, during a recent visit to Chicago to see his wife, Tricia, an actress, who appeared in a play, that playing Dean was a challenge, but one that was professionally enjoyable.

"Everyone was great! Kristian and Peter were fantastic," Stabile said. "Kristian would spend time running our lines, and everyone was such a joy to work with. And, I have to tell you...Co-Producer, Gary Tomlin really worked us, but he is one of the most creative people I know. You know...on the show you don't have time for retakes. It moves fast pace. It's a very different medium."

He admitted that the nature of the role may be conceived as unforgivable, but he just remained true and did what the writers' have written. And as for the little girl, it was explained that this is just play acting. "She was adorable."

It was a phone call to Tomlin from Stabile that landed him the part. "I called Gary and told him that I'd like to work with him again," Stabile said. "I didn't hear back right away, and then the call came. I was offered the part without ever having to audition. Gary is the type of guy that never forgets people. The ironic twist is... I was first to be Kyle, the guy who kidnapped Ciera, but then it changed to the cop. But it worked out for the best."

Stabile worked for Tomlin, playing Mark Wolper in "Sunset Beach," the hot steamy Aaron Spelling soap of the 1990's. Tomlin directed and produced the show.

Stabile hails from Colorado, and it was during his high school years that the acting bug bit. He was told that he needed to take theater or music for a Liberal Arts credit to graduate, and he found his calling in life. His first play was "Rebel Without a Cause."

Stabile went on to attend Colorado State University, which was followed by a stint at Denver's National Theater Conservatory, where he graduated with a Master's of Fine Arts.

"I then went out to audition for agents that had offices in several cities. I chose LA to try my luck. I landed on Sunset Beach within six months," Stabile said.

Accomplishing much in the industry, he is probably best known for his role as Jesse, Katherine Heigl's boyfriend in the thriller, "Bride of Chucky."

He also starred in the Hallmark film "Santa Jr.," playing Chris Kringle Jr., opposite Lauren Holly and Judd Nelson. And he played Dennis Wilson in the TV miniseries "The Beach Boys, An American Family." He was also a series regular on "Saints and Sinners," and briefly appeared on Passions filling in as Fox Crane.

He also appeared in several independent films and guest-starred on many prime time shows like "Without a Trace," "Dawson‘s Creek," and "CSI Miami," to name a few.

Soapdom wants to know your definition of success? "Success is a combination of things. It's opportunity meets preparedness, with a little luck combined. I also believe in showing up professional. Be true to your work. Do your work. And be on time. This is also a business of being thick skinned. I like constructive criticism. I critic myself. It's good for you to learn and grow. I've been watching myself daily."

Stabile is a big fan of reality shows -- especially "American Idol." He said that by putting these kids on the line in front of millions to be criticized and come back again to do it again is something to be admired.

Jokingly he added that if not for acting he would probably be a lawyer. "Oh Yes! Specializing in litigation. It's so much like acting."

His goal would be to produce a Tennessee Williams play. "I would really like to find someone really fantastic to do ‘Sweet Bird of Youth.' I have Scott Schwartz (the son of Stephen Schwartz of ‘Wicked') interested in directing. I would love to see this play in major cities."

Stabile finds having a job in soaps to be a blessing, saying, to have a gig in an environment with actors being people and scrambling to pay their mortgages, and being able to get a regular paycheck doing make believe is great!

He said that he wouldn't mind following the career path of Gary Sinise, laughing, "That would be just fine. But I really enjoy TV and the theater for the amazing audiences.
I enjoy being a part of storytelling, and trying to understand the human spirit."

Stabile is really into his family and enjoys spending time with his 18 month-old daughter Ella Grace. He also is the owner, along with his wife, of a production company called "Bella Vita Entertainment" (Beautiful Life in Italian) in Los Angeles. Some of their current projects include a scripted show and a reality show.

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